Hot Air Balloon Ride in Varanasi 2026 – Namo Ghat Start Date, Price & Details
After the air show, Kashi gets another way to see the city from the sky. A hot air balloon ride in Varanasi is set to begin from 15 November 2026 at Namo Ghat, taking passengers on a 45-minute flight over the Ganga and the ghats. Here's everything announced so far — start date, venue, price, capacity, who runs it, and how it fits with Dev Deepawali.
About the Hot Air Balloon Ride in Varanasi
Varanasi Smart City has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sky Volt, a company from Hyderabad, to run a hot air balloon from Namo Ghat. Following the recent air show over the Ganga, tourists will now be able to take in Kashi from a hot air balloon — floating above the river with views of the ghats, the Ganga's waves and the old city's historic buildings.
Rahul Mehta, president of the Tourism Welfare Association, has said the facility can draw tourists who want to see Kashi from a different perspective — a fresh addition to the classic sunrise boat ride and Ganga Aarti boat ride.
Hot Air Balloon Varanasi – Start Date, Venue & Duration
| Start Date | 15 November 2026 |
| Venue / Take-off | Namo Ghat, Varanasi |
| Ride Duration | 45 minutes per flight |
| Fare | ₹17,688 per person |
| Capacity | Up to 10 passengers per flight |
| Operator | Sky Volt, Hyderabad (under MoU with Varanasi Smart City) |
| Daily Timings | Not announced yet |
Hot Air Balloon Ride Price in Varanasi
The fare for the Varanasi hot air balloon ride has been fixed at ₹17,688 per person for a single 45-minute flight.
- Up to 10 passengers fly together
- Take-off from Namo Ghat
- Tax, child fare & group rates — not announced
For a family of four, the reported fare works out to ₹70,752 for one flight. Check the final price, including any taxes, at the time of booking.
What You'll See from the Balloon
The balloon rides over the Ganga, so the whole riverfront unfolds beneath you — a view of Kashi that until now was only possible from a boat or a rooftop.
- The famous ghats of Kashi along the curve of the Ganga
- The waves and wide sweep of the Ganga from above
- Historic temples, palaces and buildings of the old city
- The newly built Namo Ghat riverfront and its "Namaste" sculpture
Namo Ghat — The Take-off Point
Namo Ghat is one of Varanasi's newest and largest riverfront ghats, in the Rajghat area near Adi Keshav Ghat and not far from Varanasi Junction (Cantt) railway station. Its open plaza, helipad and recognisable "Namaste" sculpture made it the venue for the recent air show, and now the launch site for the balloon.
Namo Ghat Location Map
Hot Air Balloon Ride & Dev Deepawali 2026
Large numbers of tourists from India and abroad arrive in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali on 24 November 2026, when the ghats glow with lakhs of diyas. With the balloon starting on 15 November, it could offer a rare view of the illuminated ghats from above the Ganga.
Booking Options – Hot Air Balloon Ride Varanasi
The following details are yet to be announced officially:
- Online booking (if any) by the operator
- Daily flight timings and number of flights
- Whether ₹17,688 includes GST / taxes
- Age, weight or health requirements for passengers
- Cancellation and weather refund policy
- Exact flight route and altitude
Avoid paying advance amounts to unofficial agents — book only at the official counter at Namo Ghat.
Tips for Riders
General advice for any hot air balloon flight — follow the operator's own instructions on the day:
- Confirm your slot and the reporting time a day before
- Carry a government photo ID
- Wear closed, comfortable shoes and layered clothing — November mornings by the Ganga can be cool
- Balloon flights depend on wind and weather; keep your plans flexible
- Use a wrist strap for your phone or camera
- Pregnant travellers and anyone with heart or back conditions should check with the operator first
Hot Air Balloon in Varanasi – Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a Trip to Varanasi
Make the balloon ride part of a bigger Kashi trip — explore things to do in Varanasi, find hotels in Varanasi near the ghats, or pick one of our Varanasi tour packages. Visiting in late November? Don't miss Dev Diwali on 24 November 2026, the grand festival of Varanasi — book your boat at devdiwaliboatbooking.com.